BJP MP Tejasvi Surya detained on Monday during protest against metro fare hike in Bengaluru

BJP MP and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) national president Tejasvi Surya was detained on Monday by police while staging a protest at Jayanagar Metro station against the recent Metro fare hike , officials said.

The protest came in the wake of a fare revision announced by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) on February 5, 2026 , under which Metro fares were increased by Re 1 to Rs 5 , depending on the distance travelled. The revised fares were scheduled to come into effect from February 9, 2026 , but the implementation was put on hold on February 8, 2026 , following public and political backlash.

Surya led the demonstration demanding affordable public transport, alleging that the state government was insensitive to the concerns of commuters. He claimed that the decision to put the fare hike on hold came after the Centre’s intervention.

During the protest, Surya carried an empty trunk as a symbolic gesture , stating that it represented the “empty promises” of the state government. The demonstration was also a response to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s recent remark in which he described Surya as an “empty trunk” who is more active on social media than on the ground.

Speaking to PTI after being detained on Monday, Surya said, “Just because we are asking for affordable public transport and accountability, the government is forcing arrest and detention. It’s shameful.” He accused the state government of focusing on detentions instead of providing better roads, infrastructure and civic amenities.

Addressing reporters, the MP further said that the Metro fare hike had been put on hold for the second time due to pressure from the Union government and demanded that the state government release a white paper on the state’s economic situation.